Caernarfon 6 - 2 Gresford

Caernarfon bring run to an end

Gresford’s recent good form came to an end at high flying Caernarfon town.
In the first half Gresford struggled to cope with Caernarfon ball retention, and rotation in midfield and up front. Caernarfon deservedly took the lead on 12 minutes from a free kick on the edge of the box by Nathan Craig. Soon after it was 2-0 when Jamie Breese scores from just inside the area from a cut back.
Gresford struggled to create chances and only had long range efforts from Tom Freeman, and Dave Macintyre, and a header from Mikey Latham which all failed to find the target.
Just on the stroke of Half time Breese again managed to turn and shoot just inside the box to make it 3-0 going into the break.
Gresford came out second half full of intent but had the wind knocked out of them from what looked to be a harsh penalty following a great break by Brookwell down the right side.
Nathan Craig made no mistake from the spot though Mike Platt got so close to getting a hand on it.
Manager Steve Halliwell made a change bringing on the ever willing Jack Edwards for the injured Adam Davies. This meant a slight re shuffle with Ben Burrows switching to left back and Jack Edwards moving into right back.
Gresford continued to push forward and had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when Tom Freeman looked to have been fouled in the box when through on goal.
Soon after it was 5-0 with a goal from the impressive Darren Thomas.
Halliwell was not content in damage limitation though and made attacking substitutions replacing Latham, and Chalinor with smith and Anoruo and changing shape to 4-4-2 Gresford continued to press while Caernarfon where always a threat going forward! Gresford then had another penalty appeal turned down for what looked to be hand ball, before they got a deserved goal from Simon Smith cross/shot which sailed over Alex Ramsey’s head.
Soon after it was Ramsey who made a fantastic save from Owen Roberts following fantastic work on the right by Edwards and Smith.
Gresford though continued to attack and shortly after Tom Freeman fired in an unstoppable freekick from 20 yards out. Gresford continued to press but right on the final whistle Darren Thomas headed in a back post header to make it 6-2.

Gresford now turn attentions to Saturday and a home game in the Welsh Cup 2nd round vs Conway.